The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has opened up about the challenges she faced after participating in the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) pageant, revealing that she was rendered homeless for a month due to her father’s disapproval.
Ojukwu shared her story at the Nigerian Women’s Day event, held on the sidelines of the 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) at the United Nations headquarters in New York. She used her experience to emphasize the significance of education and resilience in every woman’s life.
A Bold Step Met with Resistance
Bianca explained that her passion for exploring the world initially inspired her to join pageants. Her participation in the MBGN pageant, however, caused a fallout with her father, who strongly opposed her decision.
“I wanted to see the world. Growing up, I watched Miss World and Miss Universe competitions, fascinated by the exotic locations. Joining a pageant seemed like the best way to experience that. But after participating in the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, my father was livid with rage, and I ended up homeless for a month.”
Despite her father’s disapproval, Bianca’s persistence saw her win additional titles, including Miss Africa and Miss Intercontinental, eventually earning her father’s acceptance.
The Temptation to Quit School
Bianca, who was a law student at the University of Nigeria, recalled the financial independence that came with her success as a beauty queen. While the newfound income posed a temptation to abandon her education, she chose to persevere.
“One of the hardest decisions was to return to school. By then, I was earning my own money and could have easily quit. But completing my law degree remains one of the best decisions I ever made.”
She advised young women to prioritize education, underscoring its transformative power.
From Pageantry to Advocacy
After her pageantry career, Bianca transitioned into advocacy. She founded a non-governmental organization (NGO), Hope House Trust, dedicated to supporting underprivileged children. Her work has since earned her recognition on both national and international platforms.
Her story serves as a testament to the resilience and determination that women can exhibit in the face of adversity. Through her experiences, she continues to inspire young women to pursue their education and follow their dreams, regardless of the obstacles they may face.
